But despite their efforts the dog was so distressed that vets were forced to put him down.

Magistrates warned the couple that the length of the abuse meant they were considering imposing a custodial sentence.

The RSPCA investigated after Floyd was left tied to a gate at Wood Green animal shelter, Cambs, last August.

The couple, from Beeston, Beds, claimed they had Floyd since he was a puppy and insisted that up until a year ago he had always been groomed and well cared for.

David Massey told an RSPCA inspector he recognised he should have taken the dog to a vet but said he had become too embarrassed by his condition.

He claimed they had used a professional groomer in the past but that they reached a point where they could no longer afford it and that any neglect was due to a lack of money. It was only when their daughter decided to move back into the family home, bringing her young daughter with her, that the Masseys decided to get rid of the dog.

Massey said it was his decision to take Floyd to the animal shelter and to tell the police and RSPCA where he was.